Research Snapshot: Preventing alcohol use problems among Aboriginal youth

January 10, 2013

Youth who experiment with alcohol may be at risk for future alcohol use problems. Previous studies and trends showed that Aboriginal youth may be at an even greater risk for developing these problems. However, new research refutes this.

Researchers in Ontario surveyed Aboriginal youth who didn’t live on a reserve. The goal of the survey was to find out about their alcohol use, extracurricular involvement, peer relationships, and self-esteem. Their findings show that these youth use alcohol at normal rates compared with other Canadian youth. They also found three factors that can lessen the risk of alcohol use problems for these youth: high optimism levels, weekly recreational activities, and attending religious services frequently.

To learn more, check out EENet’s Research Snapshot of the article, “Preventing alcohol use problems among Aboriginal youth” by Jennine S. Rawana and Megan E. Ames. It appeared in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 41, no. 2: 229-43.